An Uncommon Woman

***Well Written Story of Faith, Pioneers, Indians & Harsh Reality*** Publisher’s Synopsis: Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical 18th-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with. Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa's long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself. Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand--and heart--are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning. My Thoughts: This story is a deeply intense reminder of how difficult it was for the settlers to carve out a life for themselves in an often hostile territory where the land was harsh and the natives could be even harsher. In response to “the white man” encroaching on their lands, native people could be swift in trying to protect their way of life, which often meant brutal results. I cannot imagine living in that time when both sides gave up so much; “Everyone on the frontier had a chair that sat empty, a place unoccupied. Who would be next?” This story, for me, has a heaviness to it. It squeezed my heart acknowledging the ruthless reality of it all. Good historical details intertwined with faith here, giving me much to think on. I especially found Keturah interesting; captured as a young girl, raised as an Indian, trained in healing and then traded back to the white people as a grown woman. What a complex part of the story. *Hester served sassafras tea. “Two Swan spinsters are too many.” She began her familiar rant. “Tessa breathed in the beloved scent of sassafras as her own cup was filled, shutting out Hester’s timeworn words. Spring tonic, sassafras. When sweetened with maple sugar, no finer remedy could be had.” **Closing her eyes, she took a sip of fine English tea from Morris and Willing of Philadelphia. Her childish delight tickled him. She was used to making do with nettles and sassafras, likely. City tea was a luxury. ***Her small part was helping Ma bring the gleaners the noon meal and enough switchel to drink. ****Though they were not given to emotion, their eyes were nonetheless damp. She sat woodenly at the table as Ma poured her a cup of dittany tea. I researched both Switchel and Dittany: “switchel” is a drink made of water, vinegar and ginger, often sweetened with something like molasses, honey, sugar or maple syrup. It helped keep people from getting sick the way they can if overly heated and drinking cold water. It has been making a comeback in the U.S. and Canada over the last five years. “Compounds of Dittany are powerful antioxidants. The essential oils have also antiseptic and anti-fungal properties and are often used in ointments to treat burns and skin ailments. Tea made from dittany is used to relieve tension headaches and as a relaxant. Dittany is also used to relieve indigestion, colic, stomach cramps and bloating. It is also thought to be a diuretic and to combat fever.” I received an eCopy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review with no further compensation or expectation. All opinions expressed are my own.

An Uncommon Woman By Laura Frantz Tessa Swan has had a life of toil and work yet she dreams about what a life overmountain would be like? A life where she would live the life of a lady rather than one in constant worry over Indian attacks and hard daily work. She has no overriding concern that she is not yet married. Though her mother and Aunt Hester are concerned about the sad lack of marital bliss among the Swan offspring but women are few in the western Virginia frontier, Tessa isn't moved to encourage any man to seek her hand. Clay Tygart is a most unusual man, he is the new colonel of Fort Tygart and his younger years were spent raised by the Lenape Indians so that when he was "ransomed" he was considered half red. But the skills he learned while living as a son among the Lenape make him a perfect choice to be on the Virginian frontier to stand against them. But as Clay makes his way to his new posting he takes possession of a young woman who, like him, spent years among the Indians and is believed to have originally been from the area of Fort Tygart. When Clay brings his redeemed captive to Swan Station (the home of the Swan family) she is immediately recognized as Keturah Braam - Tessa's friend who was more of a sister to her until the day she was stolen away. Keturah has forgotten who she once was - speaking as Tessa phrases it "Indian". But not all among the Swan's are happy to see Keturah - eldest brother Jasper has deep-seated hostility towards any with Indian ties. Tessa has never had her head turned by any man but for some reason, Colonel Tygart has at the very least caught her eye. Why this should be she isn't sure. And she is unsure of the Colonel's feelings as he seems to at times ignore and others give her special attention. But when the ever-increasing signs of danger come to pass and the Swans are caught up in it Clay must confront his past and do what he can to rescue Tessa. This book is set in 1770 a few years before the American Revolution when the wilds of this land were not far beyond the eastern coastline. Treaties were made promising to not further encroach upon Indian lands but were so phrased so that the treaties could easily be broken while not technically breaking them. Unrest is their neighbor and unfortunately, it is with good reason. Both sides have exasperated the already strained relations that has all too easily boiled over into violence and bloodshed. This is the world Tessa wants to escape from - a world that has cost her her father and her friend. Those who love Early American / Colonial American historical fiction will enjoy this newest offering from Laura Frantz. The characters are easily connected with and one is given a view from multiple viewpoints though Tessa and Clay's are the most drawn upon. The pacing isn't rushed but neither does it drag so one can quite easily be drawn in for a long weekend of reading. I would recommend this book as an excellent option if you are in a book club and are in search of clean-reading historical romance. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

Such an amazing story! I could not put it down! Tessa's life has always known danger, she longs for peace. Her best friend has returned after many years of captivity. Though she has changed much, she is still a sister of the heart. I loved the intense friendship between the two women even when parted. Matchmaking Great Aunt Hester was a wonderful character as was Maddie ❤️ Clay has many troubles of his own and believes harm will come to everyone he loves. But there is something special about Tessa Swan. I enjoyed the stolen kisses and the unconventional romance. Tessa is a no-nonsense kind of woman with a bit of stubbornness to her. I loved her and Clay together! I have both read and listened to this book, I highly recommend it! Aimee Lilly is a wonderful narrator and she sings!